The 2020 Guangdong 21st Century Maritime Silk Road International Expo commences on Sept 24 in Guangzhou. [Photo/ycwb.com]

The 2020 Guangdong 21st Century Maritime Silk Road International Expo commenced on Sept 24 in Guangzhou, emphasizing high-level opening-up and high-quality development.

Guests, including ambassadors to China from countries like Benin, Kazakhstan, Tunisia, Tanzania, and Mozambique, officials from consulates general of foreign countries in Guangzhou, representatives of business organizations from countries and regions alongside the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, scholars, experts, as well as leaders of the Guangzhou government, attended the opening ceremony.

This year's expo is being held from Sept 24 to 26, covering an overall area of 60,000 square meters. It has attracted nearly 900 international famous brand companies from 51 countries to participate in it.

The expo features two comprehensive exhibition areas for international brands and international cultural tourism, as well as three professional exhibition areas for marine economy, international agricultural products, and international life sciences.

A total of five theme forums have been scheduled during the event, carrying out deep discussions on cooperation in international economy and trade, as well as health and COVID-19 epidemic prevention to inject new driving forces into global economic recovery.

Lu Pengqi, deputy chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), said that the expo would establish an effective platform for communication and cooperation between domestic and overseas companies.

Lu added that CCPIT will team with the Guangdong government to build a better cooperation environment to contribute to the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road.

James Kimonyo, Rwandan ambassador to China, said that Rwanda and China have carried out cooperation in many areas, achieving great outcomes. The expo has offered opportunities in investment and cooperation for Rwanda.

Kimonyo noted that he hoped that the two countries can establish mutually beneficial partnerships in areas spanning cross-border commerce.